Rising (or “wicking”) moisture is among the most frequently encountered causes of damage in masonry walls. The results are clearly identifiable through the spalling of plaster, damaged joints and bricks, and also through salt efflorescence and algae growth. Damage from rising moisture can be avoided by the installation of a horizontal barrier.

The easiest and most successful KÖSTER system to install a horizontal barrier in existing walls is the KÖSTER Suction Angle System with KÖSTER Crisin 76 Concentrate. KÖSTER Crisin 76 Concentrate is a very thin fluid resin which penetrates into the smallest capillaries in the building material, stops the capillary action permanently and also has a hydrophobizing effect.

Boreholes are drilled regularly spaced depending on the wall thickness. KÖSTER Crisin 76 Concentrate is injected without pressure into the wall via the KÖSTER Suction Angle and the KÖSTER Capillary Rod which acts as a wick. The pressureless system uses the same capillary action which is the cause for rising damp. Thereby rising moisture is stopped with the aid of its cause. The big advantage of the KÖSTER Capillary Rod is that it doesn’t waste material in cracks or voids. Only where the rod touches the wall of the borehole will the material be released.

In some cases such as in less moist walls KÖSTER Mautrol Liquid Sealant can also be applied. Before the application an analyses of the moisture content and the salt content must be carried out.

In cases where damage is caused by rising moisture the old plaster has to be removed from the wall. After the installation of the horizontal barrier the application of KÖSTER Restoration Plaster is required. KÖSTER Restoration Plaster allows the masonry to dry without damage. KÖSTER Restoration plasters are open to vapor diffusion and are hydrophobic. Salts remaining in the wall are absorbed by the KÖSTER Restoration Plasters so that salt doesn’t effloresce to the surface and doesn’t cause damage to the plaster or paint.

KÖSTER Restoration Plasters are available in different varieties (grey, white, fast and light). KÖSTER Restoration Plaster 2 White is often used in older buildings without subsequent painting. KÖSTER Fine Plaster creates a smooth decorative surface and can be applied when desired to meet architectural goals. KÖSTER Restoration Plasters can only be painted over with breathable (open to vapor diffusion) paint such as KÖSTER Silicon Paint White.

Always adhere to the specifications in the respective Technical Guidelines.